Mothers' evaluation of a parent training program completed three and one-half years earlier.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the long term effects of a parent training program. Mothers who completed treatment, a mean of 3.6 yr earlier, were asked to fill out measures that examined parent perceptions of child adjustment and parent satisfaction with treatment. Of the 68 mothers to whom questionnaires were mailed, 34 (50%) returned them while 10 questionnaires were returned with an insufficient address. A comparison of pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up child adjustment scores indicated that the mothers perceived their children as significantly better adjusted after treatment and that this effect maintained at follow-up. Generally favorable responses were also reported by mothers on a consumer satisfaction measure.

Naturalistic observation of the snack-selecting behavior of obese and nonobese children.

No previous study has examined the snack-selecting behavior of children although information from such a study may be useful in preventing and treating obesity or in determining its etiology. To provide data on this behavior, male (n=190) and female (n=166) children were unobtrusively observed purchasing snacks in either of two movie theaters. The amount of soft drinks and snack foods that were selected was recorded, and the corresponding caloric values were determined. Ratings were also made for obesity and sex. No differences for obesity or sex emerged on the measure of amount of calories selected. The implications of these results for the treatment of obesity are discussed.